It’s hard to miss the fact that church is changing all over the world, as well as here at home.  Last year, several folks come together to consider the insights and resources offered by the “Emerging Church” movement.  This September, our Associate Conference Minister Wendy Vander Hart came to visit us to talk about the church’s “New Normal” and encourage us to be clear about what we are called to do and be.  Last week, Constance sent me another perspective written by her brother, a UCC pastor.  He wonders if we need to compost the church to renew our vitality.  Read more here.  What do you think?

You can learn more about the ministry of local UCC churches by reading the Massachusetts’ Conference Spotlight.  This month’s spotlight highlights a ministry called Chaplains on the Way, which works to build relationships with and offer spiritual support to people who are experiencing homelessness, living in poverty, or living with mental illness or addiction: “I feel we are acting like Veronica,” said Murray, referring to the woman who gave Jesus her veil so He could wipe his forehead while He carried his cross to Golgotha.  “She didn’t stop the crucifixion, but when she touched Him there was a momentary sense of relief and in that moment she received back some of Jesus, through the imprint in her veil.  We experience that same God when we make that face-to-face connection with someone in need.”  Learn more here.

Our denomination gathered and wonderful things happened!  Take a look:

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